Minnesota Department of Health Fact Sheet
June 2015
GIARDIASIS (Giardia)
What is it?
What should I do if I have symptoms?
Giardia is a parasite that causes a diarrheal
illness called giardiasis. Giardiasis is one of the
most common waterborne diseases in the
United States and is frequently found in both
drinking water and recreational water.
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How can I prevent Giardia infections?
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What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, gas,
stomach cramps and bloating, nausea, loss of
appetite, and weight loss. Sometimes people
infected with Giardia have no symptoms at all,
but can still pass the parasite to others. This is
especially common in children.
Symptoms usually begin 1 to 2 weeks after
being exposed to the parasite, but may appear
as late as 4 weeks after exposure.
How long does it last?
In healthy people, symptoms can last from 2 to
6 weeks. Treatment for giardiasis is available
from your health care provider.
How is it spread?
Giardia can be found in water, food, soil, or
surfaces that have been contaminated with the
feces of infected humans or animals. Giardia
can survive for long periods of time outside the
body and in the environment. You can become
infected with Giardia after accidentally
swallowing the parasite.
People become infected with Giardia by:
 Swallowing recreational water
contaminated with Giardia (recreational
water includes lakes, streams, rivers,
springs, ponds, swimming pools, hot
tubs, and splash pads).
 Eating food or drinking liquids
contaminated with Giardia.
 Touching contaminated surfaces or
objects and then touching their mouth
or putting a contaminated object into
their mouth.
 Not washing hands after using the
bathroom or changing diapers and then
eating foods.
Contact your health care provider.
Wash your hands often.
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Wash your hands with warm, soapy
water for 20 seconds
 After using the bathroom
 After changing diapers
 After touching animals
 Before eating
 Before preparing food
Wash your hands more often when
someone in your household is sick.
Don’t drink untreated water from lakes,
rivers, streams, ponds, or shallow wells.
Wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables
before eating them.
Avoid preparing food for others while
you have symptoms.
Clean and disinfect surfaces
immediately after vomiting or diarrheal
accidents.
Healthy Swimming Tips:
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Do not swim when you have diarrhea.
You can pass Giardia in your stool and
contaminate water for several weeks
after your symptoms have ended.
Take a shower before swimming.
Do not swallow water or get water in
your mouth while swimming.
When swimming, take kids on frequent
bathroom breaks – waiting to hear “I
have to go” may mean that it’s already
too late.
Change diapers in changing rooms, not
poolside or on the beach. Wash hands
after changing diapers.
To report a suspected waterborne
illness, call the Minnesota Department
of Health at 1-877-366-3455
(or 651-201-5655 from the Twin Cities).
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control
651-201-5414 - www.health.state.mn.us
If you require this document in another format, such as large print, please call 651-201-5414.